Petitioners ask SC to compel free COVID-19 mass testing

Eleven individuals from various sectors have petitioned the Supreme Court to compel the government to conduct free and efficient mass testing for COVID-19.

They argue that the lack of proactive mass testing violates the right to health and consequently impairs other human rights and liberties.

The petition also seeks to mandate the government to release accurate, timely, and complete information regarding the country's COVID-19 situation.

Petitioners, represented by the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, include former social welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo and representatives from diverse sectors.

Among the respondents named in the petition were Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, and Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez.